Case Study: PG&E achieves improved distribution reliability and DER optimization with GE Digital's DERM software

PG&E Maintains Reliable Operation of the Distribution Network

PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) faced the challenge of maintaining reliable distribution‑network operation as distributed energy resources (DER) like rooftop solar and battery storage proliferated—more than 2,700 MW of distributed generation and roughly one new solar customer every seven minutes. To address this, PG&E engaged GE Digital and its DERM (Distributed Energy Resource Management) software to explore coordinated DER management.

GE Digital implemented DERM to provide real‑time monitoring, look‑ahead capabilities and portfolio optimization of DER assets (storage and distributed solar PV), using IEEE 2030.5 communications to coordinate with third‑party DER aggregators. The demonstration improved PG&E’s ability to manage the grid more efficiently and reliably, helping optimize operations and increase overall distribution‑network efficiency.

PG&E